News Release

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Motorcycle Officer Confronted by Man Armed with Two Handguns NRF055-16ma

**The following information is
based on a preliminary, ongoing investigation which continues to
evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and
electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department's
understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as
additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles: A motorcycle
officer saw a male exit a vehicle he had noticed with vehicle code
violations. The officer followed the male who appeared to have a
handgun. As the officer approached the male, he saw the male was
armed with two handguns and an officer involved shooting
occurred.

On Tuesday, August 16, 2016, around 3:30 p.m., Valley Traffic
Division motorcycle officer Evan Urias, Serial No. 34412, assigned
to Community Safety Operations Center (CSOC) was in the area of
Figueroa Street and Century Boulevard. Officer Urias saw a dark
four door sedan with no front license plate, possibly a rear paper
plate and dark tinted windows. Officer Urias intended to initiate a
traffic stop on the vehicle when a passenger, later identified as
Kenny Watkins, exited the vehicle and walked away. Officer Urias
saw Watkins with his hands at his waistband and believed Watkins
was concealing a handgun. Officer Urias broadcast to Communications
Division he was following a man with a gun and requested back-up.
As the officer followed Watkins, he began running eastbound on
Century Boulevard and he saw a handgun in Watkins left hand and the
barrel of a second gun was visible. When Officer Urias and Watkins
were mid-block on Century Boulevard east of Figueroa Street,
Watkins turned toward the officer; at which time the officer fired
two rounds at Watkins. Watkins was struck and fell to the
ground.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and
determined Watkins to be deceased. There was a revolver and handgun
recovered at scene.

This is the 17th incident in 2016 where a suspect was armed with a
firearm or replica firearm resulting in a use of deadly force
incident with an LAPD officer. In 2015, there were 19 incidents
involving a suspect with a firearm and 6 additional incidents where
the suspect used a replica firearm or pellet gun.

LAPD's specialized Force Investigation Division is conducting a
thorough investigation of the officer-involved shooting which will
be presented to the Chief of Police and the Board of Police
Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force and
tactics employed by the officers complied with LAPD's policies and
procedures. The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office will also
review the evidence collected during the investigation to determine
whether any criminal laws were violated.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged
to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers:
• During business hours at (213) 486-5230;
• During non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7
(877-527-3247);
• Anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
(800-222-8477) or by texting "LAPD" and your tip to phone number
274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S); or
• Online at www.lapdonline.org and click on "Anonymous Web
Tips.